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  • Ufone awarded contract worth Rs2.07 billion for providing mobile broadband services

    Ufone awarded contract worth Rs2.07 billion for providing mobile broadband services

    ISLAMABAD: The Universal Service Fund (USF) on Friday awarded a contract amounting Rs2.07 billion to Ufone for providing high speed mobile broadband services in Kech district of Balochistan province.

    Federal Minister for Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque and Federal Minister for Defence Production, Zubaida Jalal witnessed the contract signing ceremony held at the USF office.

    The contract was signed by Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, CEO, USF with Nadeem Khan, Acting CEO & Group Chief Financial Officer, Ufone. Federal Secretary for IT and Telecommunication, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui and Chairman PTA, Maj. Gen (R) Amir Azeem Bajwa were also present at the ceremony.

    Sector Commander South, Brigadier Atif Bin Saeed and senior government officials from Turbat virtually attended the ceremony. Chief Guest of the ceremony, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque said: “In light of the Prime Minister’s vision of Digital Pakistan, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication through USF has awarded yet another project for the socio-economic betterment of the people of Balochistan.

    “Through the contract being awarded today, residents of Kech district will reap the benefits of High Speed Internet in a span of 12-18 months. It is our priority to ensure that Balochistan remains at the forefront of technology development as we continue to work towards building a robust Digital Pakistan. The digital connectivity will open unprecedented new possibilities for the marginalized communities of Kech district; enhancing their ability to work and transact online and engage in the digital economy.

    “I would pay my special gratitude to the Federal Minister of Defense Production, Ms. Zubaida Jalal who has played a significant role in highlighting the region for digital transformation and emphasizing on the importance of digital inclusion for the growth and prosperity of the youth.”

    The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication through USF has contracted various development projects worth approximately Rs 7 billion to provide High Speed Mobile Broadband services in districts of Chagai, Noshki, Bolan, Mastung, Panjgur, Gwadar, Ziarat, Jaffarabad and Pishin.

    These projects are expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months from the date of commencement.

    The Federal Minister for IT also said: “Today, in this regard, it is pertinent to highlight the progress of National Highways program. The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication through USF has initiated development projects worth approximately Rs1.8 billion to provide High Speed Mobile Broadband services to commuters on all National Highways in Balochistan, thereby covering a road segment of 1,780 km. NH 10 and NH 25 is 75  percent completed whereas NH 50 and NH 70 are 50 percent completed.

    Likewise, NH 25 and NH 65 are 25 percent completed. All National Highway projects will be completed within the next 6 to 9 months.”

    In Balochistan, the youth are benefiting from DG Skills and Virtual University’s education programs. So far, 25,000 youngsters have completed free licensing courses amongst others through DG Skills.

    Similarly, through Virtual University programs, offline centers have been established in 9 districts whereby thousands of students can access educational courses without any internet service.

    Four new software technology parks are being established in Quetta, Khuzdar, Turbat and Gwadar in Balochistan where in lieu of rent, the government will give a 25 % subsidy and other facilities.

    Federal Minister for IT shared that 3,500 students from Balochistan will be provided a 6 month paid internship with a monthly stipend of PKR 20,000. Other than this, new national incubation center campuses will be opened.

    With the help of Ignite, new projects for the youth in research and development will be initiated as well. Syed Amin Ul Haque stated that the people of Balochistan should not be disappointed as we are working very hard for the development of Balochistan.

    The Prime Minister is very clear in his vision that there is no national progress without progress in Balochistan. This is the reason whereby upon my instructions, Federal Secretary for IT and Telecommunication, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui and all attached departments working under our ministry undertook a tour to Quetta and apprised the Government of Balochistan regarding its development projects.

    While addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister for Defence Production, Zubaida Jalal thanked the Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque and said that the Ministry of IT’s development projects for the people of Balochistan are in line with the true spirit of Digital Pakistan and will play an important role in alleviating the marginalization of Balochistan and supporting the province to come at par with the developed world.

    She further said that I am sure that the development projects in Kech district will be completed timely and I assure you that the youth from these areas will be as capable in terms of skills, capabilities and digital proficiency as youngsters from urban cities.

    Sharing his thoughts at the ceremony, CEO USF, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary said, “This project will benefit an unserved population of 0.34 Million, thereby covering an unserved area of 23,964 sq. km. of Kech district. Upon the directive of the Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, our focus on providing access and connectivity to the remote and far-flung areas of the country remains distinguished. In the last two years, USF has contracts projects worth over Rs21 billion.

    “This project has been awarded to Ufone through a through an efficient and transparent competitive bidding process. We strive to empower the people of Balochistan and bring ease into their lives through these projects.”

    Sharing his views at the ceremony, Group CFO and Acting CEO PTCL & Ufone, Nadeem Khan, said, “Ufone is dedicated to the cause of a Digital Pakistan. Our telecommunications projects in Balochistan are an attempt to make lives easier for the millions that are residing in the province.

    Through this project in the Kech district of Balochistan, we aim to provide telecom services to 306 muazas of the area. This dream would have never reached fruition without the support of USF, which has been devoted to the cause of providing connectivity in far-flung areas of Pakistan.”

    Senior officials of the IT Ministry, USF and Ufone were also present at the ceremony.

  • Contracts worth Rs5.11 billion awarded for next generation broadband

    Contracts worth Rs5.11 billion awarded for next generation broadband

    ISLAMABAD: The Universal Service Fund (USF) on Monday approved award of contracts to Telenor, Zong, Ufone and PTCL worth Rs5.11 billion through the Next Generation Broadband for Sustainable Development program and the Next Generation Optical Fiber Network and Services program.

    Federal Secretary Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui chaired 74th Board of Directors meeting of Universal Service Fund (USF) on Monday.

    PTCL is being awarded the contract of Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur and Khairpur districts in the province of Sindh.

    The Next Generation Optical Fiber Network and Services projects worth approximately Rs3 billion is aimed at laying of 1078 km of Optical Fiber Cable to connect 140 villages and union councils thereby providing high speed mobile broadband services to an unserved population of approximately 4.7 million.

    Moreover, the Board also approved award of contracts under the Next Generation Broadband for Sustainable Development Program worth Rs2 billion to Telenor, Zong and Ufone.

    Telenor is being awarded the contract of Chitral, Upper Dir and Lower Dir districts in the province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa whereby an unserved population of around 0.7 million will benefit from high speed mobile broadband services in 648 unserved villages and an approximate unserved area of 18,212 sq. km.

    Likewise, Zong is being awarded the contract of Karachi West and Malir districts in the province of Sindh that will benefit an unserved population of approximately 0.1 million in 36 unserved villages and approximately 690 sq. km of unserved area.

    Similarly, Ufone is being awarded the contract of Mastung and Ziarat districts in the province of Balochistan to serve an unserved population of approximately 0.1 million in 226 unserved villages and an approximate unserved area of 6,324 sq. km.

    During the meeting, Federal Secretary Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui said that as advised by the Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque, the basic purpose of these projects is not only to promote tourism infrastructure of the country but also to connect rural population with the digital world.

    He also said that the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication is leaving no stone unturned to provide broadband services to every Pakistani and accomplish Digital Pakistan vision; therefore, people should remain hopeful that such development interventions will reach them soon as well.

    Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of USF, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary briefed the Board members about the projects. He thanked the Federal Minister, Syed Amin Ul Haque, the Federal Secretary and Chairman of USF Board, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui and the Board members for entrusting him. He stated that USF ensures merit, transparency and timely completion of projects.

    Furthermore, he added that USF’s contribution to Digital Pakistan vision remains distinguished. Other board members comprising Maj. Gen (R) Amir Azeem Bajwa, Chairman PTA; Shabahat Ali Shah, CEO-NITB; Irfan Wahab, CEO-Telenor Pakistan; Imran Akhtar Shah, VP for Government Sales, Super Net Pvt Ltd and Nominee of Data Licensees; Rashid Khan, CEO-PTCL and Nominee of Fixed Line Operators; Kaukab Iqbal, Chairman-Consumer Association of Pakistan and Nominee of Consumer Group; Muhamad Omar Malik, Member- Telecom and management of USF Co. also attended the meeting.

  • Ufone awarded Rs518 million next generation broadband projects

    Ufone awarded Rs518 million next generation broadband projects

    ISLAMABAD: Universal Service Fund on Monday awarded contracts to PMTL (Ufone) for Next Generation Broadband for Sustainable Development Projects in Balochistan worth Rs518 million.

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  • Telenor, Ufone awarded next generation broadband SDP contracts

    Telenor, Ufone awarded next generation broadband SDP contracts

    ISLAMABAD: Mobile phone operators Telenor and PMTL (Ufone) have been awarded contracts for Next Generation Broadband for Sustainable Development Projects (SDP) worth Rs729 million in total.

    The 70th Board of Directors meeting of Universal Service Fund (USF) granted the approval on Friday. The meeting was chaired by Federal Secretary Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui. Chairman Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) Maj. Gen (R) Amir Azeem Bajwa was also present in the meeting.

    Telenor is being awarded the contract of Muzaffargarh Lot and Small Lot I-1 (district: Islamabad) while PTML (Ufone) is being awarded the contract of Small Lot P-4 (Bhakkar, Khushab, Jhang and Mianwali).

    During the meeting, Secretary IT was apprised about the advances in USF projects. The Hi-speed Broadband services in Mazaffargarh lot will benefit an unserved population of around 2 million thereby covering 666 unserved muazas and an approximate unserved area of 14,195 sq. km.

    Muzaffargarh Lot encompasses Muzaffargarh and Ranjanpur districts.

    Similarly, an unserved population of 9,083 will gain advantage from Hi-speed Broadband services in Small Lot I-1 that covers Islamabad district with 12 unserved mauzas.

    Likewise, the Hi-speed Broadband services in Small Lot P-4 will benefit an unserved population of 86,968 thereby covering 11 unserved muazas and an approximate unserved area of 277 sq. km. Small Lot P-4 encompasses Bhakkar, Khushab, Jhang and Mianwali districts.

    The Secretary IT, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui emphasized on the growing need for connectivity amid the spread of coronavirus to support the people of Pakistan. He said that the use of ICT in rural areas during the pandemic will help the remote public to access government facilities that are available.

    He also laid stress on the significant role of ICT in far-flung areas in each step of fighting the COVID-19 as some people are unable to get the information or services required. In addition, he also asserted that these projects will help the communities to start or run a modern business, access telemedicine or take an online class in these difficult times.

    Furthermore, The Federal Secretary stated that the Ministry of IT and Telecom is making every effort to bridge the digital divide under the vision of Digital Pakistan as the economy heavily relies on the internet to minimize the disruption caused by the lockdown.

    Moreover, the members of the Board reiterated their full support to tackle the COVID-19 battle by ensuring to make progress in implementation of current and future projects of USF.

    The Board sincerely thanked the Secretary IT for providing direction and knowledge to achieve USF goals. Other board members including Shabahat Ali Shah, Executive Director, NITB; Irfan Wahab, CEO-Telenor Cluster Head for Emerging Asia and Nominee of Mobile Cellular Operators; Imran Akhtar Shah, VP for Government Sales, Super Net Pvt Ltd and Nominee of Data Licensees; Rashid Khan, CEO PTCL and Nominee of Fixed Line Operators; Kaukab Iqbal, Chairman, Consumer Association of Pakistan and Nominee of Consumer Group and management of USF Co. also attended the meeting.

  • Ufone tops PTA’s key performance indicators

    Ufone tops PTA’s key performance indicators

    ISLAMABAD: Ufone has topped to achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) set for performance of cellular mobile operators by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), a statement said on Wednesday.

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  • Ufone celebrates 19 years of Pakistan operations

    Ufone celebrates 19 years of Pakistan operations

    ISLAMABAD: Ufone celebrated 19 years of successful operations in Pakistan with the entire UFamily at Ufone Tower, Islamabad and other offices across the country.

    During the anniversary celebrations, employees and management vowed to serve their customers with complete dedication and leave no stone unturned in delivering the best.

    President & CEO, PTCL-Ufone, Rashid Khan addressed the employees on this special occasion at the head office and congratulated them for taking the Pakistani telecom operator to new heights.

    He stated that it is because of the persistent efforts of the entire team that the organization has been able to show tremendous growth over the years and has established itself as a people friendly brand.

    It is the power of Ufone’s employees that keeps Ufone growing stronger every passing year and this theme was celebrated across Ufone offices in light of the anniversary celebrations.

    As a brand, Ufone has always focused on improving the life of every Pakistani by ensuring seamless connectivity. The customer first approach enables the organization to stand out and serve customers to the best of their abilities.

    The journey for Ufone began 19 years ago but despite challenges the company stood firm and continued serving its customers with the same zeal.

    Through these years, Ufone has introduced many innovative products and services which have not only become game changers in the telecom industry but have also empowered the common man.

    Ufone prides itself in connecting people from all over the country with ease and without any hassles.

    The company has been at the forefront of disseminating high quality services due to which it has become the preferred operator of Pakistanis across the country.

    According to recent PTA survey results, Ufone has the best voice services amongst all operators in Pakistan and is following the benchmark call connection time of 6.5 seconds.

    Now as Ufone enters its 20th year, the goals are bigger and ambitions are stronger. The company aspires to expand its outreach into every corner of Pakistan and is diligently working towards improving customer experience.

  • TPL Trakker plans IPO to raise Rs1.4 billion for vehicle, container tracking business growth

    TPL Trakker plans IPO to raise Rs1.4 billion for vehicle, container tracking business growth

    KARACHI: TPL Trakker is planning for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to raise Rs1.4 billion in order to grow vehicle and container tracking business, analysts said on Tuesday.

    TPLCorp Limited (TPL) held a Corporate Briefing on November 18, 2019 to discuss the financial results of FY19 and future outlook of the company, said analysts at Arifh Habib Limited.

    In order to further grow in the vehicle and container tracking business, IoT Business as well as expand into markets abroad, TPL Trakker will file for an IPO, aiming to raise PKR 1.4 billion.

    Moreover, the company is in talks with two foreign strategic investment partners for equity injection.

    TPL Group includes TPL Trakker Limited, TPL Insurance, TPL Properties, TPL Life, TPL Maps, TPL Security Services Private and TPL Rupiya.

    Despite decline in sale of vehicles, TPL Trakker business reported revenue growth of 7 percent YoY led by Container Tracking and new IoT Business.

    During the year, the company launched four IoT businesses (video telematics, fuel management solution, water management solution and smart warehousing and inventory management) and usage based insurance.

    Moreover, the company is also venturing into software-as-a service platforms, such as Pay-How-You-Drive Insurance and Predicative Maintenance.

    Though, investment in new business initiatives and higher interest rates led to decline in Bottom-line of the business by 63 percent YoY in FY19, the analysts said.

    TPL Maps and TPL Rupiya are now merged with TPL Trakker Limited since these companies will benefit from TPL Trakker’s large customer base along with TPL Trakker benefiting from technical expertise of TPL Maps.

    TPL Maps during the year has developed four new solutions; i) goconnect (location based advertising service), ii) LEAP (solution with respect to demographics, based on location), iii) TPL Maps Service (serving clients such as Bykea, Ufone, Telenor, Cheetay and Eat Mubarak) and DART (solution related to workforce and supply chain monitoring, currently serving KFC and Dominos).

    Furthermore, TPL Maps Solution will be making its way in Middle East market in 2020, partnering with HERE Technologies.

    In order to further grow in the vehicle and container tracking business, IoT Business as well as expand into markets abroad, TPL Trakker will file for an IPO, aiming to raise PKR 1.4bn.

    Moreover, the company is in talks with two foreign strategic investment partners for equity injection.

    TPL Insurance has entered into the company’s first livestock insurance covering 2000 cattle’s in Thar District.

    Furthermore, Afghan Transit Trade Guarantee was also initiated in July 2019. Other than this, TPL has also entered into partnerships with nine companies in Pakistan.

    The company has also launched a mobile app which can instantly start insurance plans without many formalities and documentations.

    In the TPL Properties Business, the revenue has climbed up by 8 percent YoY in FY19, on account of growth in rental income.

    Furthermore, the company has ventured into providing real estate development services to corporates.

    However, due to cessation of commercialization in Karachi land acquisition of Project Alpha has been delayed.

    Whereas, for Project Beta a new real estate commercial land is being acquired, which will be used for mixed purposes such as Hotels and offices.

    Furthermore, One Hoshang Project, which will be a residential apartment tower and showroom, is slated to be completed in 2023.

    Moreover, the company is underway to enter into REIT management business. With this, Centre point building will be included in REIT Scheme. Along with this the company also plans to setup Logistics Park.

    In TPL Life Business, the topline has seen 31% YoY in FY19, amid time based life insurance via mobile. The company offers usage based life insurance for individuals through mobile app.

    Also TPL Sahulat, health solution via mobile app, is also successful. The app offers doctors at home, delivery of medicines at home, lab tests at home and settlement of claims. Furthermore, in order to target low income earners the company offers Life Insurance through scratch cards, available at as low as Rs375. For the purpose of growth, the company seeks funding of PKR 400-500 million.

    The company is currently working on developing a social and corporate messaging platform (Tello Talk) which will enable the users to transfer payments and manage transactions with businesses.

    Furthermore, its rider service app will provide a delivery platform to e-tailers (online retailers).

    Overall, consolidated profit after tax of TPL Corp plummeted by 74 percent YoY, settling at Rs172 million in FY19 against PKR 670 million in the FY18.

    This massive decline is attributable to Pak Rupee devaluation against USD, and interest rate hikes.

  • Ufone, Habib Bank sign agreement for trade financing in Chinese currency

    Ufone, Habib Bank sign agreement for trade financing in Chinese currency

    KARACHI: Pak Telecom Mobile Limited – Ufone and Habib Bank Limited (HBL) have signed a landmark agreement, through which HBL has extended a bilateral Trade Finance in Chinese Yuan (RMB/CNY) for the import of cellular network equipment through Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, a statement said on Friday.

    The Landmark agreement is part of one of the largest RMB/CNY contracts in the history of Pakistan between Ufone and Huawei Technologies Co Ltd., and it would furthermore be a breakthrough in the banking industry of the country.

    The trade deal under this new mode of transaction will set a precedent for different sectors and corporations in both friendly countries—China and Pakistan—which plan to take their working relationship to the next level through this currency swap agreement.

    This transaction would also ease off the pressure of import bills in terms of dollars for Pakistan.

    The business deal being carried out by Ufone, Huawei and HBL will be the first of its kind in the telecom sector, and will also pave the way for various other mobile operators and traders in Pakistan to expand their businesses through this mode of trade finance facility.

    The agreement was signed by Mohammad Nadeem Khan, Chief Financial Officer PTCL & Ufone and Farhan Talib, Head Corporate and Investment Banking, HBL.

    The ceremony was witnessed by Rashid Khan, President and CEO PTCL & Ufone, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO HBL, Chi Linchun, CEO Huawei Pakistan and Yang Yougui, Regional President Huawei Middle East.

  • Ufone, SCO sign bilateral roaming service agreement

    Ufone, SCO sign bilateral roaming service agreement

    ISLAMABAD: Special Communications Organization (SCO), the largest Integrated Telecom Service Provider in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Ufone have signed a Bilateral Roaming Services Agreement at PTCL headquarters, Islamabad.

    The ceremony was attended by Major General Amir Azeem Bajwa (Retired) HI (M), Chairman PTA; Major General Ali Farhan HI (M), Director General SCO; Rashid Khan, President & CEO, PTCL & Ufone and senior officials from both sides.

    With this agreement, Ufone has become the only mobile operator to offer Data service in addition to Voice and SMS services to SCO subscribers in Pakistan and SCO will also offer Roaming Voice & SMS services in AJ&K and GB to Ufone subscribers.

    It is pertinent to note that Ufone and SCO are already in an agreement since 2008, under which, SCO subscribers have been enjoying Voice and SMS Roaming services in Pakistan.

    This development is also seen as stimulating economic activity, as enhanced communication capability improves efficiency and productivity, resulting in cost savings and spurs growth of business.

    “SCO can now proudly claim that it has the most advanced network, providing state-of-the-art mobile services to its valued customers,” said Major General Ali Farhan HI (M), DG SCO.

    “Ufone is a highly innovative company in the field of telecommunications in Pakistan and I am sure that the biggest beneficiaries of this alliance will be the citizens living in Pakistan, AJ&K and GB,” he added.

    “Our strategic alliance is a win-win situation for both partners and even more importantly, for the customers,” said Mr Rashid Khan, President and CEO PTCL & Ufone.

    “This alliance will make sure that resource sharing benefits both organizations and offers superior products and services to the public, improving their quality of life,” he further added.

  • Ufone celebrates week-long 72 years of Pakistan’s independence

    Ufone celebrates week-long 72 years of Pakistan’s independence

    ISLAMABAD: Ufone concluded its week-long Azaadi celebration on account of Pakistan’s 72 years of Independence with full patriotic fervor.

    The entire organization participated with immense passion and reflected their love for Pakistan. Activities for Azaadi Week carried on for the entire week.

    The company portrayed true patriotism through a series of activities aligned nationwide across Ufone offices ensuring that the spirit of Independence was felt throughout.

    Each activity allowed employees to connect with the rich culture and heritage of the country, enabling them to demonstrate their affection for their beloved homeland.

    In addition, to celebrate the 72nd Independence of Pakistan honoring the spirit of freedom, Ufone set free 72 pigeons into the free sky of Islamabad.

    On this occasion, President and CEO of Ufone, Rashid Khan along with Executive Management Team hoisted the national flag, employees sang the national anthem and vouched to serve their countries to the best of their abilities.

    The telecom operator has always taken great pride in the heritage and traditions of Pakistan; the brand has focused on appreciating the individuality and strength of every Pakistani.

    Through its various campaigns, Ufone has always identified unique and strong Pakistanis who have made a mark for themselves along with making their country proud.